Philosophical critique of psychedelic substances: A guide for thinking deeply about these mind-altering drugs
In an extraordinary book filled with rich content, Professor Justin Smith-Ruiu, a historian and philosopher of science at the Universite Paris Cite, delves into the intersection of drugs and formal philosophy in his latest work, "On Drugs." Smith-Ruiu, who managed to secure tenure despite his unconventional philosophical ideas, presents a unique perspective on psychedelics, likening them to the distortion of ordinary time during ritual worship. He suggests that these substances dissolve the self and make one part of cosmic consciousness, a concept he explores throughout the book. One of the central themes in "On Drugs" is Smith-Ruiu's comparison of the psychedelic experience to ritual worship. He posits that during mass, one might perceive something akin to eternity, much like one might experience on a psychedelic trip. The book also proposes that if Rene Descartes had used psychedelics instead of rationality as the basis of his philosophy, the western world might have seen the world differently. Smith-Ruiu submits that human beings could have been viewed as "infinite reservoirs of light and wisdom." Smith-Ruiu's drug experiences, which include psilocybin, LSD, cannabis, quetiapine, Xanax, venlafaxine, Prozac, Lexapro, tricyclics, caffeine, and food, are described in the book. However, it's important to note that the book was not written under the influence of drugs, apart from some prescription medications and occasional espresso. In a thought-provoking twist, Smith-Ruiu suggests that instead of melting wax, Descartes might have considered "melting" his brain on LSD or other psychedelics. This leads Smith-Ruiu to explore the consequences of such an altered state of consciousness in philosophical inquiry. Smith-Ruiu's thinking seems related to philosophical movements such as Markus Gabriel's new realism and Timothy Morton's implosive holism and object-oriented philosophy. He also cites Marcel's dream in Proust's A la Recherche du Temps Perdu as an example of everyday psychedelia. Interestingly, Smith-Ruiu attended Catholic mass for the first time in 40 years at a church next to his Paris apartment. The book, titled "What if Descartes had melted his brain on acid?", is a captivating exploration of the potential impact of psychedelics on formal philosophy and our understanding of the world. The reviewer hints at the book's riches but does not elaborate further in this passage, leaving readers eager to delve into the thought-provoking ideas presented in "On Drugs." Smith-Ruiu's submission that one submits one's will in church as on a psychedelic trip adds another layer to the intrigue surrounding this groundbreaking work.
